Is it important for children to have the best education possible? Is it important for children to have a safe place to learn? Is it important for children to have opportunities that stretch their imagination and support their creative learning process? I don’t know anyone who would say no to these questions. We all want children to learn, grow and thrive. Children are our future and I want all children to have the very best opportunities to learn, explore and thrive.

Currently, Tennessee ranks 46th in the nation for student funding and support. On a local level, the sad truth is that not all schools in Hamilton County have achieved equitable standards, but it is possible. How do we achieve equity in schools? We have to first understand the needs of the children in their respective schools. Each child and their school has different needs and we have to understand these needs in a way that better supports the children within their community. 

Students in District 4 are concentrated in schools with fewer resources. Our schools have 90% or more students of color and spend $733 less per student per year than public schools with 90 percent or more white students. We can do better.